Foundations of Restorative Practices in Education- 2026

The results are in: after over 40 years of Zero Tolerance policies and a heavy lean into punitive and exclusionary discipline practices in schools, the data is clear.  Suspensions and expulsions don't work to change student behavior, they don't deter other students from breaking rules, and they don't make schools safer-- maybe the opposite.  

Conversely, Restorative Practices has been steadily emerging as a philosophy and a mindset to approach building, maintaining, and repairing relationships within school communities. Based on indigenous ways of being and thinking about belonging within a community, and responding to harmful actions without banishment, RP emphasizes accountabiilty AND support.

The Center for Dialogue and Resolution has been supporting schools in implementing Restorative Practices with both an evidence base and a deep commitment to honoring its indigenous roots for eight years.  Our Foundations training, as the name suggests, is our annual offering that explores deeply the philosophy, the techniques, the interpersonal skills and institutional structures that make for a comprehensive implementation in school settings.  Intended for educators who are either new to RP or who are looking to continue deepening their understanding and toolkit, this workshop covers 9 hours over two consecutive days and meets requirements for Continuing Education Credits.